Friday, April 4, 2014

Chef in the Garden and a Sweet Paul Giveaway!

Spring is here. Things are at last changing. The profusion of blooms of all kinds is happening. If you follow me on Instagram, you have seen me get punchy over flowers, trees, and anything else which as been showing itself spring. Yesterday I had the unique opportunity to accompany one of my farmer friends for a field trip, as he dropped off goods to chefs at the best restaurants in town. Everywhere the day took us, there were redbuds, dogwoods, forsythia, and cherry blossoms clamoring for glory.

But I digress. I am doing a *very special* giveaway. Scroll down for a chance at the amazing goodies…
These images are the path of a longer-term project. Jim and I photographed a unique farm-to-chef-to-table event last year which epitomized what it means to be part of Community. The fact that it was chock-full of sublime flavors and a total blast didn't hurt any. The story just got printed for this month's Birmingham Magazine, and it looks beautiful.

Will and Liz from Heron Hollow Farm - you've seen them here and here - provided one of their pigs for the roast. The five-course meal included all kinds of veg and foraged treats from the kind gents at Mt Laurel Farm, the incredibly pastoral setting for the event. Due to its first-time success, they are repeating this event, with the next Chef in the Garden dinner on May 3rd. Just in time for beautiful spring produce! Click here for tickets!

I am falling in love with all that it means to get to know my farmers.

There are so many more photographs from that beautiful experience. Order a copy of the magazine here to see it in print! As I said earlier there is a larger project underway, so with any luck you will have a chance to see the spectrum of amazing images all together. I'll keep you posted!And now for the giveaway!!!

My friend Sweet Paul, *just* released his wonderful new book, Eat & Make: Charming Recipes + Kitchen Crafts You Will Love, and he has offered a SIGNED COPY to one lucky reader of this blog. We have had a great time making beautifulworktogether over the years, and so I know firsthand how much love he poured into the making of this book. I hope you will enjoy it every bit as much as he had fun producing it.

In order to qualify for the giveaway, follow me in my daily fun over at Instagram. Then leave a comment here: tell me what fun or delicious thing you are especially looking forward to as we finally revel in spring. Please include a link for contact should you win! Due to mailing rates, this giveaway is only eligible to residents in the continental United States, though I LOVE ALL my readers! Cut-off to qualify is April 20th, at 11:59 EST. I will announce the winner the week following…. so stay tuned!!!

Very soon I'll post more great projects that are now complete. I feel incredibly grateful for the community sprouting up everywhere and the gorgeous stories I am taking part in to tell. Have a beautiful weekend!

Thanks, Sarah! I'm of the same mind. I was crestfallen to find out our market shut down in December… it is debuting again next weekend, and it'll feel like a great reunion with farmers who've since become friends. Can't wait!

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About Me

I am a food and still life photographer, with a little travel and lifestyle thrown into the mix. My passion for all things visual brought me here, and my penchant for eating well has helped me hone my skills at sourcing, cooking, and styling most of what you see.
This blog is the latest in my adventures in food - whether a new ingredient I've discovered, someone who inspires my outlook, or a tasty meal I found time and fortune to create. If asked about what you last made for yourself, think about it as if it speaks to your deepest self – after all, that’s what eating and making food is about.

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If you wish to use my photos or content, please credit me wherever they are placed. For commercial use of my content, please contact me about licensing agreements and rates via email at info@melinaphotos.com. Thank you!